RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – According to Capitol Police, around 1:00 a.m., Saturday a large suspicious camouflage duffel bag was discovered by a foot patrol officer in the trashcan near the south west portion of the capitol square.

Capitol Police with assistance from Richmond Police blocked off the area, and contacted the Richmond Bomb Squad.

Inside the duffel bag, police found several personal items, and an all clear was issued at 3:50a.m.

“We didn’t want to take any chances with the start of the race just a few hours away.” said Captain Andy Howard with Capitol Police.

The Richmond Marathon began at 8 a.m., Saturday morning with over 19,000 participants.